BACKGROUND

The Last Ten Kilometers Project of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), with funds from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) had been supporting the community and primary health care systems strategies since 2008 to contribute to the achievement of Ethiopia’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) related targets of the Health Sector Transformation Plans (HSTPs). Currently, with funding from Child investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), we are also implementing the eCHIS for HEP performance improvement project to cultivate the power of digital technology in transforming the HEP/PHC programs.

 Recently, JSI and Amref have been awarded a new project, improving primary health care service delivery-IPHCSD project (2022-2027), which is the first investment being financed by BMGF.  This project aims to build on current and upcoming contributions and commitments using HEP roadmap implementation as an entry point to inform broader PHC service delivery redesign. Through JSI partnership with Amref, this investment will design a broader PHC model to pressure test the operationalization of PHC service delivery packages and modalities through the Networks of Care (NOC) approach in different contexts. This will be realized via strengthening the functionality of and bi-directional linkage across Ethiopia's primary health care delivery platforms—HP to health center to primary hospital—for improved quality RMNCH-N outcomes. The evidence generated through IPHCSD can provide the evidence base the Government of Ethiopia needs to leverage broader financing mechanisms to support the scale-up of the approaches that improve PHC outcomes.  

 The IPHCSD, over five years, intends to achieve three primary objectives at the PHC level: 1) ensure equitable access to and utilization of essential health services, 2) improve the quality of essential health services, and 3) strengthen oversight and accountability. The project will be implemented in eight regions of Ethiopia. Of these, JSI will support the implementation in agrarian regions (Amhara, Oromiya, Sidama, SNNPR, and South West Ethiopia); whereas, AMREF will implement IPHCSD project in developing regional states (Afar, Somali, Gambella and pastoralist zones of Oromia and SNNP).   

 OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION 

The project to Improve PHC Service Delivery, which is supported by the BMGF, has a grants management component that is under the control of the grant manager (GM). To develop an integrated strategy for the grants management parts of the program, the GM will collaborate closely with the Finance & Operations Director, technical leads, and regional personnel. All inquiries from the central and regional teams regarding the grants administration of the project will be addressed by the GM. She or he will be in charge of coordinating and managing the grant-related components of the program in the in-country central office, as well as making sure that each grantee complies with the terms of their individual agreements, donor guidelines, JSI policies and procedures, and Ethiopian law. The project's Finance & Operations Director is the Grant Manager's direct supervisor.

KEY DUTUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conduct pre-award assessment (PAA) of all grantees to evaluate their technical, financial, and organizational capabilities to implement the proposed scope of work

• In collaboration with the technical team, support the grantees in the preparation of realistic deliverables and budget development to implement certain activity.

• Develop a customized monitoring plan for each grantee, in collaboration with program staff, including routine site visits, inspection and audit of financial records and documentation, progress reviews, compliance reviews, and other gap and risk areas identified during the PAA.

• Ensure risks are appropriately addressed through the grant agreements, including any special provisions.

• Develop grant agreements, based on the results of the PAA.

• Conduct in-person grant orientation session with grantees, to establish a common understanding of how the grant will be administered, monitored and complied with.

• Monitor spending against approved grantee budget, and identify any variances of concern to the grantees and program team.

• Review financial reports and payments request, in consultation with FM & FOD and program teams, and liaise with grantees as necessary.

Manage any grant agreement modifications required and ensure timely execution so as not to disrupt project activities

• Support the technical team to closely monitor achievement of milestones or deliverables and provide any support required during the implementation process

• Upon completion of activities, make sure that the grantees submit financial & program reports timely. The report should be reviewed and verified by responsible technical person at different levels of the respective program teams.

• Act as focal point for communication between grantees and the project Regional Technical Coordinators or central offices as related to fund release and grant management issues in the regions.

• Provide management and administrative support to the grantees as necessary.

• Develop a process for the timely closeout of grants.

• Maintains the integrity and confidentiality of all project records and information entrusted to her/him at all the times.

• Travel to various regions throughout Ethiopia, as needed.

• Adhere to and promote JSI’s culture and values and uphold JSI’s standards related to fraud and ethics accountability and management.

• Performs any other duties assigned to her/him.

Job Requirements

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: 

·       MA or BA in accounting, business administration, financial management or other related social science fields from recognized university.

·       Minimum 6 years for MA and 8 years for BA in a related filed

·       Experience developing and managing a grants portfolio for donor-funded projects

·       Strong financial management skills and experience

·       Ability to write and speak English fluently

·       Computer knowledge (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and data management)

·       Strong Communication and interpersonal skills

·       Willingness to travel and work in the PHC project implementation regions (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Sidama and Southwest Ethiopia)

·       Knowledge of various donor requirements and proven ability in grant reporting

·       Excellent networking and partnership building skills

·       Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment

JSI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

 JSI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply through THIS LINK. This is an opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional and if you meet the required skill, competencies and experience, please submit your application letter with your CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

 Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  June 30,2023